What good does that do us?

I saw my business partner as I was heading out the door this morning. Did you know that Monday was Menopause Day she asked? I didn’t. So I looked it up online. Here’s what The Office of Research on Women’s Health says:

Menopause represents the end of a woman’s fertility and, on average, occurs at age 51. Although menopause is a natural event, there are potential short-term health effects (eg, hot flashes) and health consequences over the long term (eg, osteoporosis).

Wow, does that make you want to jump off a bridge or what? It’s like celebrating National I’ve Probably Got Leprosy Day. Nothing to celebrate here folks, keep on movin’.

How about “Menopause represents a time of freedom in a woman’s life. Freedom from unpleasant, uncomfortable, inconvenient and in many cases painful shackles”. Sure there are medical ramifications that can be negative – but how many things bring only positive and no negative.

Have you ever seen a manual for an expectant woman that started out “So you’ve chosen to forfeit your youth, freedom and figure in a painful and downright yucky way, welcome to the world of Motherhood.” Hell no, we focus on that beautiful baby and the rest is incidental. Unlike menopause which is “the end of fertility topped with health effects”.

Go ahead and argue that WHO is health, and therefore ill-health focused, that still doesn’t change the fact that no one is coming at this from a positive and celebratory angle.

Well I am. On Monday I would like to be honored as the veteran of hormonal wars that I am. I will accept gifts, tokens of esteem and well wishes from those around me who understand the journey and appreciate the traveler.